-ve iMpAcT

The Thursday Morning...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:19:00 +0000

As usual, I was late for work... But, Thursday was for a good reason. Because of this guy:

I have never in my life seen this freaky thing before. It suddenly appeared, speeding right down the shower curtain. I saw it at the side of my eyes and for a moment I thought it was a cockroach that flew by.

I was so scared when I flipped the curtain shower and saw this god-knows-what-the-hell monster and I literally jumped out and dashed out from the bathroom, ...naked. I ran right into my room, cold (like only 10 degrees.) and wet, put on my clothes and ran back into the bathroom again, this time, with a roll of tissue to kill it...

This guy ran really fast but I immediately caught it with the piece of tissue and sent it straight to the pearly gate (dua bei gong bless him...). I was soooo freaked out that even by looking at the picture now, my toes curled and I feel myself trembling... Gosh, what the hell is this thing doing in my house??!!! I hope is not an infestation, I will so move out right this minute man...

By the way, this is a house centipede. God!!! The word centipede reminds me of those terrible stories my mama used to tell me when they stay in kampong, centipedes would drop down from the rooftop in the middle of the night and the kids would get bitten by them... ARrrgghhh!!!

Norma Khouri

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:46:00 +0000

I saw this documentary film about Norma Khouri that was revealed as a liar, writing a supposedly non-fiction fiction book called 'Forbidden Love' or 'Lost Honor', earlier during 2004

After the film, I googled for more information about this author and the film, and mainly, as the world would have already known, that her story is a total hoax albeit trying to stir up emotions and earn money out of it (do not believe that she did not earn a single cent out from the book sales.).

Even after the hoax was revealed, she went on further (or rather the media?) to agree to film this documentary called 'The Forbidden Lie$' that won best documentary in Australian Film Critics Assocation award, as well as Golden Al Jazeera award at 4th annual Al Jazeera Documentary Festival (an Arab News Channel). The film further revealed more about her life.

The major debate was that there were still support from people in general although the book was revealed as a hoax, along with other things that she has claimed (domestic violence from husband, sexual assaulted by father) etc. etc. And whether her book did bring public awareness (or westerners' awareness) to 'Honor Killing' problems in Jordan/Middle East.

Well, she sure did I am sure, but probably only for a short period of time. Where people will talk and discuss about it, sign some online petition, checked some information online. Probably even spur some tourism to Middle East. Period.

I read many blogs about this issue and have to agree with this one particular blog that saw Norma Khouri as a con-artist and goes on to really blame the big publishing agents (and western media) in general to allow such a hoax to be published without verifying obvious what was written. I think there were some very basic factual errors (like geography of Jordan) that was not even verified before publishing.

Probably media sensualization has grown to a point where truth (or at least perceived truth) are no longer important as a ground for non-fiction. The fact that the 'incident' (story) happens in middle east, with a culture that is so different from the west has caused people to push this out because they know general public would be interested, because it is the hot topics (terrorism, human rights suppression, war etc.) that has brought attention to things that most people in general are still pretty ignorant of.

In anyway, I have not read the book, and will not. I would, if they put it as a fiction, and if I knew of this book way before the Australian journalist revealed it as a hoax. As of now, personally am not interested to see a book published by a con-artist.

One point to add. Although the documentary film did raise a very interesting point of knowing truth itself or knowing lies, which I do believe was probably the intention of the director (Anna Broinowski), still cannot help but skeptically think that this is another media sensationalizing film with the partial objective of whatever objective she has in mind. Interestingly, in an interview by vanityfair.com, Anna Broinowski says“I don't trust her (Norma Khouri), nor she me. But we like each other.”

Information from Wiki on Norma Khouri and the documentary released on 2007:
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norma_Khouri
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_Lie$

Late Night Alumni - Of Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Etc.

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Yeah Yeah Yeah!! Finally they have a second album available!! My favourite group that produces really sexy, dance music with beautiful angelic voice of Becky Jean Williams.

Introducing their latest album, only the 2nd one after the very successful Empty Streets released during 2005 (4 years ago!), Of Birds, Bees, Butterflies:

Released: Nov 10th 2009
Label: Ultra Records, Inc.

Tracklist:
01. What's In A Name
02. Finally Found
03. You Can Be The One
04. Light Reading
05. Golden
06. Uncharted
07. Small Things
08. Run A Mile
09. Of Birds, Bees, Butter Flies, Etc.
10. It's All The Same To Me
11. Potions
12. What If I Say Please
13. Minutes

Website of Late Night Alumni

I have made one song available for preview since there are non available in last.fm yet. This album continues the mood of the last one. I think they just keep making music better.

Sometimes It's Just Too Wierd On the Internet

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:53:00 +0000

I mean seriously, you have options that does not make sense at all and then you wonder how to value music with the ease of availability (with little or almost no cost at all) on the Internet.

So anyway, for the past few days, I have been trying to look for Paul & Price CDs online. Amazon.com sells them at 20 USD over bucks on average, exclude shipping. CD at the official website is priced at 14 USD dollars (exclude shipping) per album. And then, mp3 256kbps vbr also available at 8.99~9.99 USD /album at Amazon.com as well.

A further search on google will give you a website called allflac.com that is selling the album in *.flac format at 2.00 USD on average per album. It is so ridiculously cheap that I went on to check out that this website is probably illegitimate. Although cheap, the money doesn't go to the artist. Undecided if I should spend more money getting mp3 (lesser quality) vs. ridiculously discounted price on flac (CD quality), or stock up more inventory (CD), which I should really stop doing so because I have just spent too much on music recently (gigs, CDs from the show, T-shirt only bought 1 though).

I went on to google for more sources of CD (cduniverse.com, musicstack.com, cdbaby.com) and prices were either almost the same, or their albums are not available. Talking about shopping online, you have to really do considerable amount of research via google.com or even yahoo.com.

So anyway, after spending a few days of looking and going back to Amazon.com for well over 10 times, I suddenly stumbled upon a website that also (finally) has flac format for all the albums. And, it's free.

Seriously, I do not know what to think anymore. It is kind of funny, and I do feel very sorry for artists. However, although the free stuff are easily available and sometimes even more so than the non-free ones on the Internet, I feel a need to contribute to the artist's salary if I do find their music well worth the money. Probably for the younger tech-savvy generation, it is more important to instill this thought to them, rather than finding ways to prohibit things that masses are already doing and seemingly unstoppable.

P.S.: Luckily I only have a few idols that I really support all the way, and they do not have one new album every year, otherwise I would have gone bankrupt years ago. =P

Diane Birch - Nothing But A Miracle

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Nothing much going on these days in life, music exploration seems to be activity in recent weekends, been to a few really good gigs. Music genres that are not easily available in Singapore. By friend's recommendation, I recently discovered Diane Birch.

Recommended song, listen from last.fm:
http://www.last.fm/music/Diane+Birch/_/Nothing+But+A+Miracle?autostart

Album: Bible Belt

So this tune has been going inside my head again and again. In general, I have to say Diane Birch's voice is much more mature than her age, bears a resemblance of Carole King (love her!). I felt that her voice has a nice warm nostalgic feeling, kinda brings you back through time a little, especially with this song.

Do not know why but she reminded me of another singer, Corinne Bailey Rae. Probably both belongs to Soul genre, and because there was a period of time when her song (Like A Star) was swirling inside my head and at the tip of my tongue as well. Check it out in last.fm:
http://www.last.fm/music/Corinne+Bailey+Rae/_/Like+A+Star?autostart

Album: Corinne Bailey Rae

This is one rare album that almost every song is my favourite and still feels the same after listening to it so many times. Unfortunately, so far this is the only album that is released.

Next time I will talk about the Indie artists that I discovered in live.

うちの景色

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Been so busy lately that I seem to have lost sight of everything that are simple but more important. Although I know this has always been the case, but I cannot seem to help it...

One fine day while trying to clean up the forever messy house, I saw the leaves outside turned into a combination of orange, red, yellow and green, telling me about autumn and its beauty. If only I could paint.

Cleaning... Not Done Yet...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:11:00 +0000

I have already moved to the new apartment for almost a month, and the whole place just look exactly like yesterday, like I just moved in yesterday...

There are a lot of 'reasons', although people would think that are excuses for sure. But but.... when I moved in day 1, someone came over to stay with me for 5 days and I cannot start unpacking at all because I have to accompany her for sightseeing etc. etc.

Then second week and weekend I was out for appointments, meeting friends etc. Then third week continued with birthday celebrations, overtime at work for so many days. Spending weekend with heartbroken friends. Till last week my friend visited me and I spent the whole weekend out again with her.

But I did my clean up slowly, here and there. Just that a lot of things I cannot seem to decide where to put, plus the cupboards need to be cleaned, the shelving needs to be lined with paper, I need to buy an extra lamp, an extra this and that for storing, etc. etc.

So in the end, the boxes still stayed where they were a month ago, and the place is still as messy as it was. But I swear that things are slowly getting better, and soon I will have my little housewarming parties. I have to start sending RSVPs to force a deadline for myself and stop putting household chores and cleaning away.
sigh.. trying... trying... >_< gosh, this apartment is too big la!

討人厭的字... Hear It First Time From ATH-ES7

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:34:00 +0000

Okay, so now is EST 3.34a.m. I just came back from NYC from Bonobo concert at LPR (Le Poisson Rouge). While I was waiting for the elevator built during the 1970s coming down slowly to the first floor, I saw my present that I have been anticipating for, right on the mail table. Audio-Technica ATH-ES7. It's like Christmas in October.

The first thing I did after reaching home with that package is to change to a comfortable pair of pants after which I immediately started to open my pre-christmas present. It is really a beauty, the design. Supposedly this is due to the reason that I have spent freaking 87 bucks for this piece, my first and probably going to be last pair of cans.

So anyway, right now as I am blogging away, I am listening to my favourite singer 張懸 with this new pair of cans. I could feel her singing right beside my ears... It is beauty not just the external design, but the sound that it is producing right now. The song 討人厭的字never sounded like this before. I was mesmerized, still, right at this moment. Finally I can really understand why they songs of Dessert are suitable for the night.

Technically, when I first tested out ATH-ES7 in an audiophile shop in Manhattan was a bit disappointing, mainly due to the poor connection which produced a lot of noise for the music. Secondly, the music played was not really a good demonstration for this headphone, sampler song emphasizes bass, but with the poor connection, I did not really hear any nice bass sound coming out. Further, since the song was more instrumental than anything else, so I could not gauge how it produces vocal sound. I took a little bit of risk and got it online at Amazon.com, mainly because, albeit the disadvantages, the mid-range from this headphone is pretty amazing, given the retail price of US$169.00. Right now, as I am listening to 張懸and Norah Jones, I knew I was right to purchase this piece of headphones. :D

Took some photos of my new love. I have to say, although this is a portable headphone, I do not think it is any inferior to Bose models, which, in my opinion is pretty over-priced. Cheers to Audio Technica, great job!!

...... =_=!

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:16:00 +0000

I don't even know where or how to begin this. 2 tickets in 2 weeks, one speeding, the other, parking.

I am speechless. Condolences to myself and I suspect I am not even going to get the full license (yes, I am still on provisional, which is really what is driving me nuts after getting the speeding ticket) after all this. I guess my luck with driving has been used up, after driving a maximum of over 95 miles (152 km) per hour on the highway and average of around 85 miles (136 km) per hour throughout the whole 8-hour (x2) journey.

For all the fines I will be paying, the course of lesson learnt is to 1) speed carefully (speeding ticket) and 2) do not be forgetful to drop that few quarters, even if is just for less than half an hour (parking ticket).

One thing I should say to be lucky is probably the cops did not do a breath analyzer test on me. I guess that is the last bit of luck left in me that is used up.

Shit, am I going to be able to get my license after this?? It's only been just 6 months since I got my (provisional) license... ERrrrrrrhhh!!!

Talking about things happening in 2 weeks' time, and I am sure that my life is not even close to drama.

Moving

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:39:00 +0000

What can happened during moving? Moving is an adventure of life, whatever can WILL happen. For the first time in many years, I have finally flare up in front of someone, just to get what I wanted. Amazing America...

1. Morning, mover calls to say shift to afternoon - Okay, since I booked for the whole day.
2. Noon time, doing final checking and stock take.
3. Starts to pack stuff from the fridge and bring it to the new home. Found that the fridge is not cold, then realised that there is no electricity at all! Shocked.
4. Tried calling PSEG customer service since 1pm. Put on hold for 20 minutes more than 3 times, finally managed to talk to someone who says she cannot find my new address. Her background was too noisy, then after trying to explain to her is supposed to be activiated today, she gave up and says will transfer me to billing department.
5. Put on hold again for another 10 minutes. Hanged up.
6. Called mover checking why are they still not here, already coming to 3 p.m.. Mover said they were delayed on first job, will arrive at 3.15 p.m..
7. 3.50 p.m., mover called to say they have arrived.
8. Mover called again at 3.55 p.m., say they were told by security guard at condo that they cannot moved.
9. Talked to sup., says that after 4 p.m. no moving allowed. Tried to reason that mover were late, says that rule is rule. Says moving strictly from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
10. I shouted over the phone and hanged up to go down and talk to him directly
11. Goes to the office, quarrelled with the sup. Told him that I did specifically asked if there is anything I should take note of 3 days ago while writting check to the secretary (who was present and pretended all this incident does not involved her at all).
12. Not able to move out the next day because someone from the same building already reserved the elevator for tomorrow.
13. After 15 minutes of argument, finally he says okay, but will charge overtime of 75 dollars per hour starting from 4 p.m.. Do not understand what is needed to be prepared by the building to demand such an obscene amount of overtime (they are not doing anything except putting up the cushions for the lift that takes less than 10 minutes).
14. Finally says okay, because have to get things moving soon.
15. 4.10 p.m. mover finally let into the condo and moving starts.
16. While mover is moving, tries to call PSEG again, never got through.
17. When walking towards the balcony, the house key flew out of my hand, skipped over the balcony and went right down to 1st floor, from 7th. Reminded myself to be extremely careful because balcony is not concreate wall. Spent next 20 minutes looking for the key at 1st floor.
18. Mover finally finished moving at 5.45 p.m and I found my key. Paid them and tipped 40 bucks.
19. Tried calling PSEG, put on hold again.
20. Called landlord, told him that the door at the living room is having some problem, will need to have it fixed. He says he will come in half hour's time.
21. Aunt's friend called, saying that she is arriving new york soon. Suddenly remembered that she will be coming over to stay for the next 3 days. Explained to her the new house does not have electricity and I am trying to call in.
22. At 6.30 p.m. after countless attempt, finally PSEG picked up my call. Checked and confirmed they are supposed to start service today but made a mistake because the landlord stopped service on 28th and they did not start the service on 29th. Mentioned that they will get the guy to come over, although, she emphasized twice, that they usually do not do that. I mean, is it not their mistake?
23. Was put on hold for the next 15 minutes while she make arrangements. Finally came back and say the guy will come between now (6.45 p.m.) till 11.30 p.m. And that I have to wait at the door as the guy will not wait.
24. Landlord arrived around 7.00 p.m.. Fixed the door and went back. Kindly reminded me to check next month's bill to make sure that PSEG do not charge 100 bucks to get the guy and switch on the service since it was their mistake.
25. 7.30 p.m. Have to go back to old apartment to put the fridge food back.
26. Friend called asking how's the move. Too tired to response and still waiting for the call from PSEG. Told her will get back to her later.
27. Boss called, asking about the work, told him he will have to check for response in the 8.00p.m. meeting with Singapore.
28. Called aunt's friend and told her to take the bus from New York instead but drop at Edgewater. Gave her instructions and told her to call me when she reached and if any problem to call as well.
29. Next half hour, waiting in the apartment lobby and greeting people who came back from work, and a bunch of guys discussing about the sofa in the lounge and cleaning services for the building etc.. At the same time, worrying if while driving over to fetch aunt's friend while the PSEG guy called.
30. Finally PSEG guy called at 8.30 p.m. Let him into the building. He asked if I knew where the meter is. I told him I don't know since I just moved in today. Said I should called the sup.
31. I don't have the number, so I have to go up and get the number which landlord kindly left it on the table (I really really love the landlord). Both emergency number and office number did not get through.
32. Aunt's friend called, hanged up the call.
33. Asked few people waiting for the elevator and nobody has any idea.
34. Saw the big bunch of people and asked them about the location of the damned meter.
35. One of the guy is the management of the building, says that room is locked and I cannot do it now. He will need the PSEG guy. I pointed to him sitting comfortably on the sofa.
36. Management guy went to open the door for him and let him push the switch.
37. 5 minutes, went up to check and confirmed lights working in my department.
38. Thanked him and he left, confirming that I should not be any extra charges.
39. Tried calling aunt's friend, but cellphone says that I do not have enough value left to call.
40. Drove my car directly to Edgewater to pick her up.
41. Went for dinner at John Shanghai's.
42. Went to Boulevard East for sightseeing.
43. Reached home, got all her stuff ready.
44. Typing this in blog, interrupted because she needs to know where to go tomorrow.
45. Spent next 1 hour trying to help her find directions etc.
46. 1.48 a.m. Finishing up this blog. End of today. Tomorrow will start at 7.00 a.m.

Wah Man!! 是美的咯~~

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:22:00 +0000

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder...

http://www.spykercars.nl/?pag=1
Come people, let's look at these photos and drool... =D~~~
Price? US$???,???...

Spyker is a Dutch car company that merged with an aircraft company in 1914. They even provide webcam for buyers to see their own car been assembled. How cool can that get.

Afraid to Open Up the Inbox

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:10:00 +0000

I am afraid to open my mailbox now. Seriously.

After putting up my request for quote via 123mover.com for a full service moving company, my phone started ringing non-stop for the rest of the Friday afternoon. It finally ended when my phone ran completely out of battery. For the next 1 day, I did not manage to charge my phone and then today, the voicemail is jammed with messages from the moving companies.

Then now, when I opened my email inbox, it is filled with quotations from various moving companies, all of which I refuse to look at it. Too many to compare and I have not set my mind to start deciding on one and also not sure of what my criteria are. Still too lazy and not in the mood of 'moving house', which is really a big big hassle with all my things all over the place... These quotations and phone calls just keep on nagging on the fact that I have to start planning and moving out of the apartment in like 2 weeks' time, and I have not even started out with the boxes!!

Man, I just really need to get my ass moving and stop lazing around and imagining that I have already packed. At this time, I think really hard and hope the boxes and stuff will miraculously start packing themselves like what you see in those Disney's fairytales movies... hehehehehe..... Me and my laziness and ultimate imaginations.

To Qix...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:55:00 +0000

maybe this will make you feel better?..

about MY job - no $$$ prospect, thinking of moving on to god-knows-where, BUT still kenna stuck! Glam on the outside, rotten at the inside.

about ME getting apartment - waaay out of the consideration, maybe can use the savings to buy the toilet bowl and slowly start building up from there?...
however, investment to SG properties is always good, it will get to heavenly price the way it goes now... (like make people go heaven just by looking at the price..)

about diving - just spend the money until one day u damn sianz about it. rather than regret one day that you never done it!

about family - shows u r concern if you are really thinking about it. Basically i don't even attempt to even think about changing anything at all.

about life - ditto to that. but don't know how to change it to make it happier, just have to make sure that it doesn't get to the point where I have to pop pills to stop myself from jumping off the flat... lol..

Finally: sometimes life just lacks a purpose to get busy and be happy about, but u will still want to wake up to the sunshine every morning and feel good to simply breath the air, listen to sounds around you and move your body to feel all limbs intact and in order. : )

Random...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:37:00 +0000

A: What are you looking for?

B: I'm looking for... an answer.

A: To what question, may I ask?

B: Yes, that's what I am questioning... The answer to a question that I don't know. In life, there might be an answer to every question asked, but there will not always be questions to ask.

A: ... why would that always not be questions?

B: I guess is because human knows, but doesn't understand. For example, they probably know death, but they do not understand it, so they question. To that, there should probably be an answer, eventually. If, death is never known, there wouldn't be any question to even wonder, thus answer never realised.

A: Stranger, you are very unique in this thought. I never think about it this way.

B: It's random to me as well. I was probably like you, but then I've come to think, and to think, starts from something that I know, which gives the question to ask, and the answer left to be found. Probably.
But what is it that strucks me I never get to know, so never will there be a question where the answer fits in. It's paradoxical isn't.

A: Why does human being think? To know and then to ponder, the question arises with the curiousity and knowledge, is it not? Then the unknown that will be the answer. With knowing the answer, probably comes more questions ahead...

B: Yes yes, you are probably right about it... I never thought about this cycle.. by understanding to question and find the answer, and from the answer to understand more to question... Isn't how funny that we are thinking, reasoning and to even ponder more.. just right at this moment of wondering about knowing something to question more and to find the answer that fits?... Yes, it's paradoxical!

Between Taking Photos and Experiencing the Surrounding

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:17:00 +0000

I am constantly in conflict with myself whenever going for a tour in a place. The problem is that when you know the high chance that you will never be here again, you will try taking as many photos as you possibly can, an attempt to capture all scenery that the eyes saw. Then again, you know that since photos can never quite reflect the what you see, the colors and lighting at the point in time, the temperature and humidity that your skin felt, the air that you smell and the sounds that you've heard. This combination is a unique experience for the body and you want to concentrate on this as much as possible so that the brains can remember this.

Thus, I am in a constant fix. At one point, I just want to not move and experience everything around me, yet at another point, I cannot help but think that I should take photos for fear that one day the memories shall fail and fogged of what I remembered during the trip. So what I am here at this point in time? If I would not be able to remember, the coolness of the air, the sounds of the water, the smell of the air, what is it that I have from this trip? What is it that made up that I've been here, done that, if I should not be able to remember all of it that happened?

Thus, photo-taking seems quite unavoidable at certain point of time. Then I would spend time fumbling over the bulky camera, constantly finding good spots for photo-taking, waiting for the right time to click that shutter etc. In the process that so much so, I would forgot to relax and enjoy what is surrounding me, which is really the essential part of going for a tour and 'being here'.

So what happens if I don't take photos and devote myself to see, hear and feel the place? After going back, I know that memories will not be as vivid as time passes. Fog will slowly accumulate and fade off the colors of my memories as time slowly passes by. Then when I want to remember the events that happened, I have nothing to recollect, nothing to even prove as evidence that I've been there (suddenly I realized what those crappy souvenirs are for), no photos to remind myself of the experience there. I will then regret that I should have taken the photos then, but will probably never have the chance to do that again.

Contradicting moi.

Looking Back Further

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 05:04:00 +0000

It really scares me sometimes to look back at my old days primary school friends to see how much they have changed over the years. It's like someone you are familiar with suddenly becomes another stranger and tells you he/she is the person you've known very long. Especially seeing them getting married with kids, doing different work, or getting totally messed up. It's a very nostalgic feeling, you looked at the familiar yet not-so familiar faces, it brings back the childhood days memories, what you have done with them, what you have said, the funny / ridiculous incidents that happened etc.

Although to a certain extend I know that I have changed a lot as well, but because I have been with myself during the course of change that it didn't occur to me the great difference since when I was a child. Seeing these old time friends whom I have lost touch with, listening to how much have changed in their lives, what has happened, the kids, the careers, the husbands / boyfriends, the wives / girlfriends, the cars and the houses. It's unbelievable how, the faces that you remembered as kids and so very small and naive is suddenly talking about all these worldly things that are happening to myself as well.

It's like a kid telling you about their woes as a adult. It's weird. And then they go on to reminisce the times when they were kids, when we were friends at school. The only thing that was ever fun was P.E. and recess, or holidays after examinations. It was a good feeling to think back and see how ridiculous I was as a child. I do remember that I seldom go out with my friends during holidays. Except during my last year at primary school a little more. Then I never contacted them all throughout my Secondary school days. Never understood why so. It seems like a phase that went past and Secondary school is where you begin the next phase of life and start afresh. Frankly, it was regretful to me. Should have tried to keep up with my friends more, couldn't quite remember why I did not think it matters at all when I was younger.

On some occasions when I go cranky in the mind, I would even go google or find these friends in facebook, it gives a sort of awe if I ever do find them; especially in facebook, and to see their photos that tells the stories of how they've been and recent happenings. This is even weirder, I guess. Although I do find it sort of sad that I missed things in their life... when I was part of their life as a kid. Now that we don't even see each other, less to even think about each other at all.

It's true in life, sometimes you move on too fast to realise you've lost friends on the way, missed the people who were once closed to you at a certain point. Miss the connection with people whom you've spent so much time to bond with, or probably even share some of your little secrets that were big to you before. Is it because we never thought it was of any importance, of people whom we have taken granted, or to even feel it is natural to to lose them at all?

Hopefully, as I get older, I will value my friendshiip and connections with people much much more than now instead of just thinking all about myself. Sigh, it is at this point that I know that I miss all my friends a lot. :)

Stupid Bad Weather

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Cannot help but have to complain about the weather here. Two whole weeks, all rain. It's like December in Singapore.

Basically nothing can be done except to stay at home. All appointments have to be cancelled because of the rain. = (

ERrr.... Another raining Saturday that was an extension of the same weather throughout the whole week since Monday.

Sun seems to be sooo precious here. I have decided to post a picture of the sun to remind myself it is actually round.

Wah Lau Eh.. Really Morbid la...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +0000

One fine evening, while googling some sites, I stumbled upon this:
http://xxxdarknessxxxconsumesxxx.xanga.com/

** Warning!!! Please be mentally prepared to enter this site. ***

The last post for this site was December 02 2005. I wonder if the creator of this site is still alive.

If you are brave enough to start reading the entries, I would recommend reading the post:
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Letter From Ana

Seriously, it sends shivers down my spines, partially because of the wallpaper, more because of the content that was written. I felt very very sorry for whoever this person is, dead or alive. It's clearly depression... Reading some of the entries made me felt that how serious it is to be sick mentally, rather than physically. It basically consumes a human being from the inside out, and worst, it affects soo much even people surrounding you.

Anyway, I hope whatever was written is really fiction although it seems so real to me. This is the first time I've ever seen a blog written by someone who had serious depression, it gives a view of what it is like to have depression, and how serious it can be.

Also, it somehow reminds me (or probably everyone who read it), how important it is to stay happy and be optimistic. Face everyday life with courage, and the sun will always be shining brightly the next beautiful morning.

Sorry if this is really a bit too much for your taste whoever is reading this. But I seriously feel that this acts like a 反面教材. Telling you how lucky it is to be alive and how important it is to keep a healthy mind. Staying mentally healthy is as important as staying physically healthy!!

Keren Ann Zeidel and Barði Jóhannson - Lady & Bird

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:16:00 +0000

Album: Lady & Bird
Artist: Keren Ann Zeidel and Barði Jóhannson
Release: June 2006
Label: Rebel Group

Tracks:
01. Do What I Do
02. Shepard's Song
03. Stephanie Says
04. Walk Real Slow
05. Suicide Is Painless
06. The Morning After
07. Run In The Morning Sun
08. See Me Fall
09. Blue Skies
10. La Ballade Of Lady & Bird

This album is a collaboration album of Keren Ann and Barði Jóhannson. Very beautifully done album with wonderful voice of Keren Ann, each track linking to the next taking your into a mysterious journey of 2 person (child?) called Lady & Bird.
The lyrics are really interesting, perculiar, to be exact. Exploring the feelings, and understanding what's happening surrounding them. Innocent yet sadly morbid. Calm yet stirring.

Suggest to listen to this album from first track till the last and let the music take you through their journey. However, I particularly like the last song 'La Ballade Of Lady & Bird'.

Lyrics of 'La Ballade Of Lady & Bird'

Bird : Lady?

Lady : Yes Bird?

Bird : It's cold

Lady : I know

Lady : Bird... I cannot see a thing

Bird : It's all in your mind

Lady : I'm worried

Bird : No one will come to see us

Lady : Maybe they come but we just don't see them
What do you see?

Bird : I see what's outside

Lady : And what exactly is outside?

Bird : It's grown-ups

Lady : Well maybe if we scream they can hear us

Bird : Yeah, maybe we should try to scream

Lady : Ok, Bird

Lady & Bird : Heeeelp, Heeeelp
Can you hear us now ?
Hello !
Help !
Hello it's me
Hey
Can you see
Can you see me
I'm here
Nana come and take us
Hello
Are you there
Hello

Lady : I don't think they can hear us

Bird : I can hear you lady

Bird : Do you want to come with me lady

Lady : Will you be nice to me Bird

Lady : You're always be nice to me because you're my friend

Bird : I try but sometimes I make mistakes

Lady : Nana says we all make mistakes

Bird : Maybe we should scream more

Lady : Yes, Bird let's scream more

Lady & Bird : Help ! Help us ! Come on ! Help
Hello !
Help
Hello !
We're lost

Lady : I don't think they cannot see us

Bird : Nobody likes us

Lady : But they all seem so big

Bird : Maybe we should just jump

Lady : What if we fall from the bridge and then nobody can catch us

Bird : I don't know let's just see what happens

Lady : Okay

Bird : Come with me

Lady : Shall we do it together

Bird : Yeah

Lady & Bird : 1 2 3....Aaaaaaah

Bird : Lady?

Lady : Yes Bird

Bird : It's cold

Lady : I know

Lady : Bird...I cannot see a thing

Bird : It's all in your mind

Listen online: http://www.rhapsody.com/lady-bird/lady-bird

It's Official, I Am Lazy

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Of course the whole worlds knows about it. Basically I am just lazy, in behaviour and thoughts, or rather, the lazy thinkings has translated to subconscious lazy behaviours. The reason for that it's official is not really because I haven't been going for drum practices dilligently on Sundays, nor that I am not inviting my friends over because the home sweet home is essentially a pig sty in the eyes of others.

So yesterday I went out drinking with my friend and were chatting stuff until she brought up the topic of astrolgy. She's basically super into astrology and even thought of becoming an astrologer before. I must say she is really super duber into it to even think of making it a profession. But anyway, that's besides the point. So she started stating that Capricorn has this determination in their eyes and show it out in general that they are determined and a hard nut to crack. I don't really think that applies to me, I am a soft marshmallow that goes with the flow a lot of times and always more than ready to give up on something. Then she continued saying that they are hard on themselves and people around them, especially people they loved. Well, I'll leave this for others to judge, but personally I do try to push myself sometimes. But then who doesn't? Is it not only right that you should consider push yourself to do something that you don't like? It doesn't only applies to Capricorn.

The last statement she said that usually Capricorns are rather lazy people, but because they push themselves hard, they do not allow themselves to become too lazy. This is really something new I've heard on astrologies analzysis on Capricorns. So, I proudly annouce that from now on, nobody should scold me for being lazy. Why? Because it's in the sign! wahahahahaha....

欠扁問答題

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Yes... 娘娘又來了... 而且就算是通過skype也不放過講冷笑話或欠扁問答題的機會.

某個星期天的夜晚和娘娘在skype聊天... 突然...

娘娘：來來來，問你一個欠扁問答題...
我：不要不要... 又是從吳宗憲那裏聼來的是嗎?
娘娘：不是啦，你聼我說...
我： ok..等一下等一下, 讓我準備..
娘娘：好.. 包公的臉爲什麽是黑的?
我： har??? simi? 給一點提示嘞....
娘娘：不可以, 沒有提示啦, 給了就知道答案了.
我： okay lor... 可以不要給明顯的提示嘛~
娘娘: 哎呀沒有提示啦! 快一點猜. (表情興奮+賊笑著, 然後一邊啃著玉蜀黍!)
我: (抓頭髮拼命想...)
*五分鐘過後...*
娘娘: 好了沒有, 哎呀你猜不到的啦... 答案揭曉!! 咚咚咚咚~~ (自己給自己敲鼓的背景音樂)
我: 等一下!!! 等一下!!! 我還沒有放棄!! 不要講出來!!
娘娘: 快點~ 答案揭曉了~ 咚咚咚咚~~ (又給自己敲鼓的背景音樂)...
我: okay! 我不相信猜不到~~!
*又過五分鐘...*
娘娘: okay, 最後機會了啊... 哈哈哈哈... 答案揭曉! (因爲越來越興奮, 啃玉蜀黍動作也激烈了)
我: (...) ok ok啦... 放棄啦!
娘娘: 哈哈~ 因爲包公臉上有一顆月亮嘛~ 那月亮只有黑夜的時候才會看得見, 所以他的臉就一直是黑的咯!! 娃哈哈哈~ (邊狂笑邊啃玉蜀黍!!)
我: 哇靠!!!! (直接從熒幕上消失, 頭拿去橦電腦了...)
娘娘: 娃哈哈哈~ 猜不到叻... 都跟你說了~~ (沾沾自喜地啃玉蜀黍...)
我: =_=~~ wah lau~~ 你哪裏來這個欠扁問題? (難以置信中, 並且被冷到了...)
娘娘: 米果醬咯~ 那天她來就告訴我這個欠扁問題的... 哈哈厲害嗎?...
我: (直接昏倒, 從熒幕上消失)....

米果醬是我六嵗的表妹... 我懷疑她被娘娘潛移默化了. 到處問人欠扁問答題....

5 Napkin Burger

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:51:00 +0000

It's delicious. Probably one of the best burger I've had in NY so far. Then again, I probably haven't been eating as much burger as one expects. So one fine Saturday, my friend decided to go try the place that she has listed in her to-go restaurant list according to her NY magazine guide to nice restaurants.

To begin with, the price was above average for dinning. On the condition that I had spent an indecent amount of money for dinner out the night before, this brunch made me (and my wallet) felt sadder. Setting that aside, I was willing to explore whatever my friend is interested in. So, we waited for a table, with the server ignoring us to pick a call and being a total bitch giving out the air of 'yes, we can afford to not do your business'. Then, the waiter who served us wasn't friendly either. In fact, most of the servers in that restaurant looks like they have lost ten thousand dollars in poker the last night.

So my friend was bitching about it and saying that she will never come back because of the lousy service. When the food was up, we couldn't believe the obscene amount of meat for the burger, fries as side, and, not a single piece of green can be found in this whole meal. All protein, tons of carb, and no green. How is this possible? Should you not at least have lettuce or even some pickle zucchini?

Anyway, the usual American portion was served and I could only eat 80% of everything, and leaving almost the fries untouched. Although I have given very negative feedback on the service and the totally unbalance meal, I must justify that the restaurant has a reason for drawing the crowd in the famous and competitive Hell's Kitchen. The burger was delicious, the meat patty was absolutely juicy and the bread is a perfect blend with the melting cheese. A messy but definitely fulfilling meal. My friend concluded that the name 5 Napkin was probably because the burger is so juicy, you will need to use up 5 Napkins. Interesting theory.

Some photos that I took at 5 Napkin and the burger:

Yes. They have the hooks used as decorations and I wonder if these were used hooks for the animals they used to make the burgers.

Oozing cheese, delicious medium-cooked ground chunk (10ounces, approximately 284grams.) with perfect combination of soft bread and caramelized onions... Heaven is near...

Not a single piece of green can be found in this meal.

Decorations, the hooks for the lights, the butcher scales and odd shapes bottles suspected to be soap dispensers.

Me and My Watches

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Yes!! Yes!! I have finally bought watches from fossil this time!

Haha... It was no wonder that given the price cut at the factory outlet I would be determined this time to buy some watches. I planned for two, and it turned out 4. But, I was happy about it. Introducing my four new models...

The more I think of it, the more I want to go back and buy somemore. The only regretful thing is that I did not buy any funky digital watch.

是熱的咯

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:32:00 +0000

哇靠! It's hot and stuffy in my room now!! I just finished cooking and realized that even I open up all the windows and the door, the room is still damn hot and air is not moving!

And I was so happy that summer has finally (suddenly) come! But I forgot to get myself a fan and refuse to switch on the air-con because I was trying to be green (the fact is really trying to lower the bills). With the pathetic windows far away from the kitchen, there was a danger of having stroke by the stove. -_-~

Today's update is from office laptop, while having my personal laptop switched for background music, at the same time having TV on for the Mets versus Marlins game. Somehow I feel this comforting, all electronic devices surrounding me at home. Guess I am really a geek, like what my friend calls me 宅女 (お宅).

Nothing much ongoing recently in life. Wanted to go write about the gyoza dinner on Sunday but no inspiration at the moment... probably because it's too hot and I am suffering from brain juice dehydration. ha...

Bored... At Home...

noreply@blogger.com (ling) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Nothing better to do now, most of the Fridays I am at home. Including this one. Actually, there are a lot of other things to do, like cleaning the house or cooking dinner for myself (meat is still thawing). So while wasting away doing nothing, I have decided to do a little blog.

This week has been crazy, somehow stressed and it seems I am out every other day. Which is good, thus I don't understand how is it that I still feel bored when I have only a few precious days alone at my home.

Monday was out helping a friend move to New York. She's got an apartment in Brooklyn and stays at another friend's house in Jersey City temporary. Initially I thought my job was simple, drive to Jersey City to pick her up and go to Brooklyn. Did not know that her assets were in Staten Island. So after sending my colleague back home, I drove to Jersey City to pick her up, which by then was already around 7 plus. I then realized that her assets were in Staten Island, New York. The plans changed. I had to drive to Staten Island to pick up her stuff, then drive over to Brooklyn. The problem was that all this has to be done via Manhattan.

The journey began. It took almost an hour from Jersey City to Staten Island because of peak commuting time in the evening. Thanks to GPS and a little sense of direction I reached Staten Island without losing my way. The traffic was crazy at Holland Tunnel and within Manhattan itself. I also realized that toll charges going into Manhattan is just another form of extortion. The worst happened when I did not realize and went turned in front of a howling fire engine, in Manhattan. Guessed my friend probably stopped breathing when she saw me do that. She probably have never done it in her 10 over years of driving.

Yet, I had the chance to see the other side of Manhattan from Brooklyn. Simply breath-taking. It was near, yet out of Manhattan as you drive along the high and bridge. It was there when I realized why New York is so charming. It really is very beautiful and such a sight too see.

Finally reaching Staten Island, I managed to catch my breath from the exciting drive at her aunt's house. And we are off again after her stuff went into my car. This time, the drive was much shorter but the toll charges were still expensive. We finally reached her new home in Brooklyn, a loft made out of and old warehouse, with many similar ones around the neighbourhood. It looks like a place for artists and musicians and different from the rest of the so many houses I have seen in New Jersey and Manhattan itself. The place was torn down, but the inside is absolutely cool. Super big living room (probably a dance studio hall size) with tall ceiling, open style kitchen, a spiral staircase leading down to the rooms (though I must admit I don't like it for the fear of breaking my neck or leg). Decorations are definitely artistic, scribbles on the wall and a big flat screen television mounted on the wall. Regret not taking photos of it. It's well worth the effort and I hope she can leave comfortably, in a city where she dreamt of living in for so many years.

So, to give a little visual of my adventure on Monday. Origin A is my workplace New Jersey, Destination F is my home New Jersey, Destination C is somwhere in Jersey City New Jersey, then Destination D is Staten Island New York, Destination E is Brooklyn New York, then back to my home, F. A total of 59.8miles according to Google's calculation. That's 95.68km of drive. Not bad for novice driver. I figured that I must have driven more miles than any of an average 3-week Singaporean novice driver.